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NDC Confirms Akwatia By-Election Bid, Slams NPP’s “Sympathy Strategy” Ahead of 2026 Polls

3 weeks ago

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NDC Locks In Akwatia By-Election Participation

Akwatia by-election 2025 – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially declared its intention to participate in the Akwatia parliamentary by-election, slated for September 2, 2025. The confirmation came through a statement signed by the party’s Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, who also used the opportunity to level sharp criticism at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr. Gunn accused the NPP of employing a calculated political maneuver to sway voter sentiment in their favor ahead of the closely watched by-election. His remarks follow the NPP’s recent decision not to field a candidate in the Tamale Central by-election, which was triggered by the tragic death of Member of Parliament Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed in the August 6 military helicopter crash.

Sympathy or Strategy? NDC Questions NPP’s Intentions

Akwatia by-election 2025 – While welcoming the NPP’s withdrawal from the Tamale Central race as “the best decision they have taken in recent times,” the NDC suggested the move was less about respect for the deceased and more about avoiding electoral defeat.

“This is not the first time that a political party has refused to contest in a by-election,” Mr. Gunn stated. “The NDC refused to contest in Ejisu after the demise of John Kumah. We also want to put on record that the Akwatia seat was in court and was not conclusive until the unfortunate demise of our brother Ernest Kumi.”

The NDC’s caution stems from past experiences where, according to Mr. Gunn, the NPP publicly declared non-participation but secretly prepared to contest. He cited the Ablekuma North rerun as an example, where the NPP initially announced a withdrawal but was “the first to hit the grounds” with campaign activity.

The Tumultuous Road to the Akwatia By-Election

Akwatia by-election 2025 – The upcoming Akwatia by-election follows a turbulent series of legal and political developments. In the December 2024 general elections, NPP’s Ernest Yaw Kumi secured victory with 19,269 votes over NDC’s Henry Yiadom Boakye, who garnered 17,206 votes.

Dissatisfied with the results, Mr. Boakye filed an election petition, alleging multiple irregularities. This prompted the Koforidua High Court to issue an interim injunction in January 2025, halting Kumi’s swearing-in. Despite the court order, Kumi was sworn in on January 7, leading to a contempt ruling and the issuance of a bench warrant in February.

However, the Supreme Court intervened, staying the sentencing and eventually quashing the contempt conviction in June after determining that the injunction had been improperly issued. Just a month later, on July 7, Ernest Yaw Kumi tragically passed away, leaving the Akwatia seat vacant and setting the stage for the September by-election.

NDC Warns Against Underestimating NPP

Akwatia by-election 2025 – In his statement, Mr. Gunn cautioned NDC members not to take the NPP’s actions at face value, urging them to remain vigilant and prepared for any last-minute political maneuvers.

He stressed that while the NPP may appear to be stepping back in Tamale Central, it could be part of a broader strategy to rally public sympathy and refocus resources on Akwatia, a key battleground ahead of the 2026 general elections.

“This is a period of national grief, but it is also a time for political clarity,” Gunn emphasized. “We must be mindful of our comments in this time of mourning, even as we prepare to protect the mandate of the people of Akwatia.”

Condolences and Call for Unity

The NDC extended its condolences to the family of the late Ernest Kumi, as well as to the families of the eight “gallant heroes” who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash. Mr. Gunn appealed to party members to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory statements during this sensitive time.

“The loss of life we have witnessed in recent weeks reminds us that politics should never overshadow our shared humanity,” he noted. “Our focus should be on honoring the memory of the departed and ensuring the democratic process is upheld.”

Akwatia: A Political Hotspot to Watch

Akwatia by-election 2025 – Political analysts have already labeled the Akwatia by-election as one of the most significant contests leading up to the 2026 general elections. With the seat’s recent history of legal disputes, narrow margins, and heightened political stakes, the outcome on September 2 could serve as an early barometer of public sentiment in Ghana’s highly competitive political landscape.

The NDC’s aggressive push to reclaim the constituency, coupled with the NPP’s controversial decision to skip Tamale Central, has only intensified public interest in the contest. Observers say the result could influence campaign strategies for both parties in the months ahead.

As the countdown to election day begins, both supporters and critics will be watching closely to see if the NDC’s confidence translates into victory or if the NPP’s alleged “sympathy strategy” will yield dividends in one of Ghana’s most unpredictable political arenas.